Root 4.3 without unlocking bootloader and loosing data... - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

When I had 4.2.2 I rooted my nexus 7 without unlocking bootloader now after OTA updated to 4.3 I've lost root and I don't want to unlock bootloader to root and loose data. Is there any way to get rooted without unlocking bootloader or without loosing any data???
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

geopapax said:
When I had 4.2.2 I rooted my nexus 7 without unlocking bootloader now after OTA updated to 4.3 I've lost root and I don't want to unlock bootloader to root and loose data. Is there any way to get rooted without unlocking bootloader or without loosing any data???
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi dude... still looking for that answer... hope will find it soon... if you get a way to do it.. please send me a PM
Regards

Looking for this as well!

Ditto, looking also.

No news till know just waiting and searching...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I am also looking for any updates about this root method.

any news?

I think it's pretty unlikely a 'motochopper' like exploit will be available any time soon.
Google, with Jellybean 4.3, have beefed up Androids security considerably, ostensibly to protect the device from exploits of the malicious kind. Whilst inconvenient for easy rooting, I think anything that enhances and improves security is most decidedly a very good thing indeed.
So, whilst I don't think a 'root-without-unlocking-the-bootloader' exploit is totally impossible under 4.3, I do consider it improbable.
And in any case, updating and rooting 4.3 from a locked bootloader condition (without loss of data) isn't technically difficult... it's just time consuming.
It took me about 2 hours or so, to go from a CyanogenMod 4.2.2 ROM/franco kernel combo to Jellybean 4.3 Factory Stock and rooted... with no loss of data. Using these steps...
1) Backed up all my apps (and app user data) with Titanium.
2) Copied the entire contents of my Nexus 7 (including my Titanium backups) to my PC, using ADB pull.
3) Unlocked the bootloader. (I was bootloader locked, rooted via motochopper).
4) Fastboot flashed Jellybean 4.3 Factory Stock.
5) Fastboot flashed TWRP.
6) Flashed Chainfires SU root updater.
7) Copied everything back to my Nexus 7 from my PC.
8) Restored my apps (and app user data) using Titanium.
(If you're already on Jellybean 4.3, you can skip step 4).
Besides, what else are going to spend a few hours doing on a rainy Saturday afternoon with nothing worth watching on TV? And such an exercise will confer several benefits...
1) It will hone your data husbandry skills (backing up data is always a good thing).
2) It will fine tune your knowledge and experience of fastboot and ADB.
3) It will root the device... and finally...
4) You will gain the satisfaction of your accomplishment.
OK... maybe I am trying to oversell it a little.
But my point is... you can either wait for some future putative exploit (that may never come) from some genius developer (who may not exist)... or you can bite the bullet, and do it the old fashioned way... today.
Anyway... just my thoughts.
Rgrds,
Ged.

Honestly if you are going to unlock/root it, use an app like helium(play store, free) to back up app data, and then move it to a computer, and then finally move it back, install helium again and restore. I did it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

GedBlake said:
I think it's pretty unlikely a 'motochopper' like exploit will be available any time soon.
Google, with Jellybean 4.3, have beefed up Androids security considerably, ostensibly to protect the device from exploits of the malicious kind. Whilst inconvenient for easy rooting, I think anything that enhances and improves security is most decidedly a very good thing indeed.
So, whilst I don't think a 'root-without-unlocking-the-bootloader' exploit is totally impossible under 4.3, I do consider it improbable.
And in any case, updating and rooting 4.3 from a locked bootloader condition (without loss of data) isn't technically difficult... it's just time consuming.
It took me about 2 hours or so, to go from a CyanogenMod 4.2.2 ROM/franco kernel combo to Jellybean 4.3 Factory Stock and rooted... with no loss of data. Using these steps...
1) Backed up all my apps (and app user data) with Titanium.
2) Copied the entire contents of my Nexus 7 (including my Titanium backups) to my PC, using ADB pull.
3) Unlocked the bootloader. (I was bootloader locked, rooted via motochopper).
4) Fastboot flashed Jellybean 4.3 Factory Stock.
5) Fastboot flashed TWRP.
6) Flashed Chainfires SU root updater.
7) Copied everything back to my Nexus 7 from my PC.
8) Restored my apps (and app user data) using Titanium.
(If you're already on Jellybean 4.3, you can skip step 4).
Besides, what else are going to spend a few hours doing on a rainy Saturday afternoon with nothing worth watching on TV? And such an exercise will confer several benefits...
1) It will hone your data husbandry skills (backing up data is always a good thing).
2) It will fine tune your knowledge and experience of fastboot and ADB.
3) It will root the device... and finally...
4) You will gain the satisfaction of your accomplishment.
OK... maybe I am trying to oversell it a little.
But my point is... you can either wait for some future putative exploit (that may never come) from some genius developer (who may not exist)... or you can bite the bullet, and do it the old fashioned way... today.
Anyway... just my thoughts.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your advice I know the benefits of the standar rooting but you forget the benefits of being stock!!! The backup way of rooting an no loosing data is the only way but I have a plenty of time to wait for someone to make possible to make root without unlocking the bootloader. I don't use so much my nexus and the apps that wants root so I can wait, everything I use now after the update to 4.3 is free.
Thanks in advance for your answer!!!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Related

Backup new Nexus S

I sold my iPhone 4 today and bought a brand new nexus s. I'm not new to android though, I used to own a nexus one before iPhone 4.
My question is that I want to install custom roms on it, but I might want to restore it back to original factory settings in case I want to return it to best buy. How can I backup my phone so that best buy would take the phone back without questions?
I saw a thread to root the phone without unlocking the bootloader. Is that what I should do? Any help is appreciated!
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Just root and do a nandroid backup. If you use rom manager to install the custom recovery you can just use it to so the backup.
Sent from my Onyx CM7 Google Nexus S!
Go to the Samsung nexus s android development section. Look for the thread that begins with Odin 1.81... bookmark that thread. That thread will help you flash completely back to stock. And always make sure you relock your bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
The only advantage of not unlocking the bootloader is to avoid a full wipe of your internal storage such as pics, music etc. However custom roms or apps may have stability issues without an unlocked bootloader. No harm in unlocking the bootloader because you can always lock it again. Just make sure you back up any files you may want to keep.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
peeturr said:
The only advantage of not unlocking the bootloader is to avoid a full wipe of your internal storage such as pics, music etc. However custom roms or apps may have stability issues without an unlocked bootloader. No harm in unlocking the bootloader because you can always lock it again. Just make sure you back up any files you may want to keep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the only advantage to not unlocking the bootloader is to avoid a full wipe and loss of all data.
I'm curious if you can point to an example of any current existing ROM that displays issues because the bootloader is locked... if so, I need to add that information to the non-unlock method instructions.
Sorry I don't. I was just quoting one of the root guides in here. But then again there's always that IF. Now that I think about it, unlocking the bootloader is to be able to install root and a custom recovery. If you can do that without unlocking the bootloader then you should still be golden. Don't see why a rom or app would be dependent on the bootloader. Sorry for the confusion.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
peeturr said:
Sorry I don't. I was just quoting one of the root guides in here. But then again there's always that IF. Now that I think about it, unlocking the bootloader is to be able to install root and a custom recovery. If you can do that without unlocking the bootloader then you should still be golden. Don't see why a rom or app would be dependent on the bootloader. Sorry for the confusion.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, we've found no reason to HAVE-TO unlock it yet. Just to be clear, I wasn't challenging you, just looking for anything I might need to add to the guide on doing it without the unlock. I already have a caveat that it might be an issue for something, but don't know what something could be.
Anyways, if you're a fresh out of the box phone, no problems unlock method, since you have no data to lose in the wipe. For late-comers, the no unlock method spares them that data wipe. The beauty of it is that you can root and install titainium or other backup software without wiping the phone if you already have data on it, and then if needed you can always unlock it and re-root, and then restore your wiped data. Best of both worlds for some.
Pretty much exactly what happened to me Distorted loop, Very thankfull for that non wipe root method, definately saved my ass as i had a good play with the phone before getting it to a PC for backup/rooting.
I am going to swap my device for another tommorrow to confirm if my reboot issue is even remotely hardware related. So i will have 30 mins with no nexus s ...s'gonna kill me as i love this lil thing (even with my calling problems).
Looking forward to a nice stable nexus, and then i'll try out some of the mods and roms (still on stock for now)

[Q] Root without wiping?

Since I was smart and forgot to unlock my N7 before doing anything, I'm in a bit of a predicament. I don't want to wipe everything off my N7, I have game progress, lot of apps, etc. I looked in the dev forum, but didn't see anything. I just need a root to throw TiBu on there. Not sure if I missed it, misunderstood something, or if I'm boned and just have to deal with lost data or no root. This is my first nexus, and on other devices, there's always been root without wipe. Is that just something effort isn't put into on a nexus since unlock is so easy?
E_man5112 said:
Since I was smart and forgot to unlock my N7 before doing anything, I'm in a bit of a predicament. I don't want to wipe everything off my N7, I have game progress, lot of apps, etc. I looked in the dev forum, but didn't see anything. I just need a root to throw TiBu on there. Not sure if I missed it, misunderstood something, or if I'm boned and just have to deal with lost data or no root. This is my first nexus, and on other devices, there's always been root without wipe. Is that just something effort isn't put into on a nexus since unlock is so easy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, no, there isn't a way. To get CWM on the Nexus 7, you have to unlock the bootloader which deletes all user information for security purposes. I made the same mistake, but it didn't take too long to get it back to where it was (I mean, we only got them less than a week ago!).
Raikia said:
As far as I know, no, there isn't a way. To get CWM on the Nexus 7, you have to unlock the bootloader which deletes all user information for security purposes. I made the same mistake, but it didn't take too long to get it back to where it was (I mean, we only got them less than a week ago!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, that's several hours of game data. Do other Nexi eventually get root without wipe?
Why can't you use Titanium Backup before and after?
rohandhruva said:
Why can't you use Titanium Backup before and after?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TiBU doesn't work on un-rooted devices.
gtalum said:
TiBU doesn't work on un-rooted devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG that was really silly of me. Sorry!
E_man5112 said:
Unfortunately, that's several hours of game data. Do other Nexi eventually get root without wipe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader unlock without wipe only comes about via some kind of exploit/hack. Such discoveries are unpredictable.
The first one I saw for the GN was about a two months ago (though I won't pretend to have seen everything).
I suggest just biting the bullet now rather than waiting potentially months later.
Couldn't you just backup the /sdcard/Android folder that has some (if not all) of your game data? I'm a little rusty on my ADB commands but you might be able to pull it from the system partition, although I doubt it..
Sent from my SGH-T989D using xda premium
The "Nexus Root Toolkit" lets you back up before unlocking:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
Also, I believe you don't need root to run AirDroid (search the store).
I suppose you could see if any root exploits work to get root without unlocking the bootloader no harm in trying a few, use backup then unlock the bootloader. Not sure if any root exploits work with jellybean though.
Sent from my Transformer while the N7 is lost in the Play Store Black Hole.
16gb N7 UK ordered 3rd July.
tjupille said:
The "Nexus Root Toolkit" lets you back up before unlocking:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
Also, I believe you don't need root to run AirDroid (search the store).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I thought the Toolkit only backed up sdcard data. I'll check them both out.
The toolkit did it, thanks a bunch!

Is there a stock (ROM) root method that will not require me to reset all my settings?

I'm sorry if this has been posted already, but searching on my phone for this answer has been less than ideal, so I've resorted to making a post. I'm hoping someone can link me to a thread that has this available.
I'm looking to root my phone, but I've already got it setup the way I like and I really don't want to go through the hassle of getting everything all ironed out again. So here is what I'm looking for:
1. Root the phone while remaining with the stock N4 ROM.
2. Don't need to "reformat" my phone or start from scratch.
3. Just to clarify 2, I want to keep the phone the way it is now, but just gain root access so I can take advantage of some apps that require it such as the Sixaxxis app for the PS3 controller and Titanium Backup.
4. Still will receive OTA updates without breaking root.
As of now I have no desire to go after any custom ROMs until I find some added functionality that I really see being useful that also doesn't break other features of my phone. So I'm really waiting on development to mature a bit more for this device before even considering something custom.
Thanks to anyone who can offer some help.
1. Root the phone while remaining with the stock N4 ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting doesn't touch your ROM, so you're still in stock.
2. Don't need to "reformat" my phone or start from scratch.
3. Just to clarify 2, I want to keep the phone the way it is now, but just gain root access so I can take advantage of some apps that require it such as the Sixaxxis app for the PS3 controller and Titanium Backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most, if not all, rooting methods have boot-loader unlocking as a prerequisite.
Unlocking boot-loader will wipe your phone. There is no alternative.
On the bright side, you can make a backup of your system, unlock boot-loader, restore your system, then root the phone.
4. Still will receive OTA updates without breaking root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you don't flash customer recovery, you're fine.
What are my backup alternatives then to keep all those settings? I've only ever rooted one device before and I thought Titanium Backup (which requires root) was one of the only backup methods for this sort of thing? Or is there something I'm missing?
there is one backup that the app has a picture of one of those hula hoops use for saving people from drowning...
My backup pro.
I'd try this way. Backup whole ROM in custom recovery and if needed restore via app extractor (found on market)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
The guide stickied in this section is relevant to your interests.
Adb backup...
Unlock.
Restore...and it'll be like you never touched anything.
MattSkeet said:
My backup pro.
I'd try this way. Backup whole ROM in custom recovery and if needed restore via app extractor (found on market)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly is he going to backup the ROM in custom recovery.. if he is still bootloader locked?
ADB backup will backup your settings without being rooted.
OK thanks, I'll give that a try.

[Q] Rooting Nexus 7

Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
2) Inorder to flash a kernel you need to root first.
3) You could use a toolkit to unlock and root( either nexus 7 toolkit or wugs') or if you want to unlock and root manually you can use adb, which is just a few commands for a nexus. Both are easy, the only hard part is making sure you have the correct drivers.
Hope i helped and good luck!
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
You can't really do a backup of app data before unlocking the bootloader, that's why it's recommended to do it right when you get. I have to wipe everything so i know how you feel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, that really sucks. What all can i save? App permissions, any of that?
I was just looking around and noticed there are some Apps that save data/info, the ones i saw were Carbon and TWRP. Would i be able to save my app stuff that way?
TWRP is a custom recovery which you can use AFTER unlock and root and i have never used carbon so i wouldnt know.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
I don't own a tablet, but I am a beta tester for a few projects here, I have to wipe all data, but the cool thing is after the first initial wipe, you never have to worry about that again.
A backup of your non-rooted device, I would say do your best with titanium backup, need an easier program? Try go backup pro or Clickfree backup.
Then try to restore. If it fails, retry.. I got that a lot, most game data saved is usually stored in /mnt/sdcard/Android/data or /mnt/sdcard/Android/obb
You can store that info on an external SD, using directory bind, you can find it on here, very good app if your phone/tablet sucks because its internal storage is 3.75gb. my dual partitioned and mounted 64gb sdcard works wonderfully, my games get 16gb to themselves.
Anyway to stay on topic, I want this, but also looking at an Asus, and a Samsung galaxy tab 2
:-MiniHazard-: sgh-i927 glide
CWM 6.0.1.2
CM 10.1 JB - thanks thegreatergood
LiteKernel-jb-20130121 - just until bugfix
First of all, TWRP can only be used after unlocking boot loader and unlocking wipes all data
I also unlocked boot loader after 2 months when I have many apps, so it is simple you copy all the data to your PC and you can do a backup of your apk's by sending them to a Bluetooth device by the help of a app ( Bluetooth file transfer) , you unlock the boot loader and send all apks back either by Bluetooth or by using stick mount when you are rooted , and restore all data,
Flashing a kernel requires to root first
You can either root by using root toolkit or by using adb fastboot method manually
Here is the link to a post of mine for rooting nexus 7 by adb fast boot method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Good luck,if you are unable to root or having any problem,reply and I will look into it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
flash kernel and root are two different things.
after unlocking the boot loader, you can flash anything you want, including an already rooted system image.
The Drugs said:
Alright, so I got a Nexus 7 for x-mas (my first and only android device) and I love it. Recently i have been wanting to root but information/explanation has been hard to come by. So, I have a few questions.
1. When i received the device i did not unlock bootloader, after reading about unlocking it it seems that this wipes all the data from the device. How do i backup my apps/data/storage? If i copy all the files to my CPU and then copy them back to the nexus will it work? What about app settings, like my settings on Apex launcher? I've seen threads and apps that recover data after it is deleted? What's my best bet for backing my info and data up?
2. What is the difference in flashing a kernel and rooting an android? Are they the same? As far as i know flashing is reversible, but is rooting?
3. How do you root? I've seen things about utilities (nexus 7 toolkit) and I've seen things that just involve unlocking the bootloader (flashing? i think)
Sorry if these questions have been answered or this is the wrong spot for this, I'm new to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you read the FAQs which concern your N7 grouper, if not I invite you to go to read this FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions - ASUS GOOGLE NEXUS 7 – GROUPER & TILAPIA (WiFi & 3G)
What is the best (easy) way to root on Android 4.2.2?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
^^chaos67731
Here is the link to my post for rooting nexus 7 4.2.2 or any other nexus device
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38195329
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Root but stock

I've always rooted and flashed roms on my phones. Everything from the sweaty palmed s-offing of my Desire to the simple fastboot commands on my Galaxy Nexus. I've then always gone on to flash roms at least weekly.
I'm about to buy a Nexus 10 and feel like leaving it stock but rooting it to be able to use stuff like Ti backup etc. Is this as straightforward as the GNex - fastboot unlock and fastboot flash su.zip?
I want to still have OTA updates though, does this mean I need to keep the stock recovery and is there a 'root keeper' app?
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex
GrenW said:
I've always rooted and flashed roms on my phones. Everything from the sweaty palmed s-offing of my Desire to the simple fastboot commands on my Galaxy Nexus. I've then always gone on to flash roms at least weekly.
I'm about to buy a Nexus 10 and feel like leaving it stock but rooting it to be able to use stuff like Ti backup etc. Is this as straightforward as the GNex - fastboot unlock and fastboot flash su.zip?
I want to still have OTA updates though, does this mean I need to keep the stock recovery and is there a 'root keeper' app?
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are different methods, but if you want to stay on stock, use superboot method. You just need to install a drivers on your pc, and double click a file. You don't need to be unlocked or anything. Search for Nexus 10 superboot on the search button.
Btw I recommend you, if you still don't have the nexus 10 and plan to flash roms, you should use wugs toolkit. Root, unlock, install twrp (custom touch recovery) and in case any day you want to flash a rom, you won't need to unlock and lose your data. Just make a backup and you're ready to go.
Superboot: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2003938
Wug Toolkit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2015467
If you want to still have otas, then just use superboot, you don't need to keep the stock recovery but to avoid problems keep it. Just make sure before use ota, you haven't changed any file in the folder /system. For example if you place the aosp browser in /system/apps, put the original files on there, flash the ota, and then put the aosp browser files again. And yes, on the google play there's root keeper and it can be used on nexus 10.
Thanks. I should have the drivers set up on my pc unless I need Nexus 10 specific ones. This was the biggest pita lat time.
Doesn't installing a custom recovery stop OTAs working?
Things is, you're right. I know I'll probably end up flashing a custom rom in the end.
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex
GrenW said:
Thanks. I should have the drivers set up on my pc unless I need Nexus 10 specific ones. This was the biggest pita lat time.
Doesn't installing a custom recovery stop OTAs working?
Things is, you're right. I know I'll probably end up flashing a custom rom in the end.
xda premium app on AOKP'd GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope it doesn't. Once the ota shows up, and reboots to recovery, if you have a custom one, it asks if you wanna keep it.
Thanks. All I know is on the Galaxy Nexus the OTA can fail if it detects a non-standard recovery.
Maybe its a CWM thing?

Categories

Resources